With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

New Covid cases in China show a small decline

On Tuesday, there were 37,828 new COVID-19 infections. Majority (33,540) were asymptomatic, while 4288 were symptomatic. On the preceding day, there were 38,645 new cases, with 35,021 asymptomatic and 3624 symptomatic infections. No mortality was recorded and deaths were 5233. While Beijing and Guangzhou recorded a rise in cases, Shanghai and Chongqink saw a slight in decline in cases…(Source: Medscape, Dec. 1, 2022).

China may relax its zero Covid policy and allow home quarantine

Marking a significant shift in its zero Covid policy, China may now allow home quarantine for Covid-19 positive patients. However, home isolation would be conditional. The elderly, those with comorbid conditions and pregnant women may be allowed to quarantine at home. Close contacts may self-isolate at home subject to their home environment meeting the required conditions. Mass testing and regular nucleic acid tests will be cut down. Earlier the entire communities were put under strict lockdown following detection of even a single positive case. This was later changed to lockdown of just the affected buildings. …(Source: Reuters, Dec. 1, 2022).

Fifth Corona wave in Peru

There has been a rise in the number of confirmed Covid cases in the last 3 weeks indicating the fifth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country, which is of “lesser magnitude”. A total of 6541 new infections and nine deaths were reported early this week…(Source: ETHealthworld, Dec. 2, 2022). 

CDSCO approves the made-in-India intranasal Covid-19 vaccine as booster

iNCOVACC (BBV154), a Covid-19 intranasal vaccine, has been given approval under Restricted Use in Emergency Situation by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for use in adults aged 18 years and older in India as heterologous booster dose, according to a company’s press release. It is the first in the world intranasal vaccine to be granted approval for primary series immunization as well as a heterologous booster. The vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech has been successful in clinical trials and will be available as nasal drops…(Source: PTI, Nov. 28, 2022).